Page 26 of Blood Bound

Rowan scoffs. “Protect me? I don’t need your protection, Darick. I can take care of myself.”

“You don’t know what you’re up against,” I insist, frustration seeping into my voice. “There are things going on that—”

“Stop,” she cuts me off, her hand raised. “Just stop. I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want your help, your protection, or anything else from you. We’re done here.”

I take a step forward. “Rowan, for fuck’s sake—”

Her eyes flash dangerously, and I feel the threat of sorcery in the air. “I’m warning you, Darick. Leave now, or I’ll use my magic against you again. And this time, I won’t hold back.”

I stop short, weighing my options. The determination in her eyes tells me she means every word. Pushing her further now would only drive her away completely.

I stay silent for a long moment. “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“Oh, it absolutely does.” A muscle twitches in her jawline.

I grind my teeth together, fighting back the urge to argue further. It’s clear Rowan won’t listen to reason right now. “Fine,” I say. “But think carefully about reconsidering, Rowan. This isn’t just about us anymore.”

“I’ll manage just fine,” she snaps. “I don’t need you, Darick. Not now, not ever.”

I take a step back, forcing myself to nod curtly. “If that’s how you feel.” I turn to leave, my shoulders tense with barely contained anger.

As I walk away from Rowan’s cottage, frustration courses through me.

Damn her stubbornness! Can’t she see I’m trying to help?

But she’s made her choice. And now, so must I.

I pause at the edge of the property, looking back at the warm light spilling from her windows. Part of me wants to go back, to make her understand. But I know it’s useless. She won’t listen.

I clench my fists, anger and annoyance raging inside me. Fine. If Rowan won’t help me, I’ll find another way. Another witch.

The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I don’t want anyone else’s blood. But she’s left me no choice. I need to regain my strength, and fast. There’s too much at stake.

With a final glance at Rowan’s cottage, I turn and disappear into the night. I don’t want to do this, but I have to survive. And if that means finding someone else to feed from, so be it.

9

Chapter 9

Rowan

Iwake up touching my lips. They still tingle from where his mouth met mine.

You idiot, Rowan!

For a moment, I almost allowed myself to get sucked back into his bullshit.

Groaning, I bury my face in my pillow, trying to shake off the lingering effects of his presence.

“Freakin’ fairy dust,” I mutter, pushing myself up and fumbling for my glasses on the nightstand. As I slide them on, the world comes into focus, but my thoughts remain a jumbled mess.

I can’t believe I almost fell for his act again. His words echo in my head: “There’s no reason for us to change our arrangement.” As if everything that happened with Mia’s photos meant nothing. As if he could just waltz back into my life and expect me to hand over my blood like some kind of vending machine.

Poppy scampers across my dresser, her little squirrel eyes fixed on me with what I swear is judgment. “Don’t look at me like that,” I grumble. “I didn’t invite him here.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Poppy chirps, her tail twitching. “You two seemed pretty cozy on the porch.”

I throw a pillow at her, which she easily dodges. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”

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